Technics Direct Drive SL 1100 - 1800 models

[Japi Roelofs]

Hi all,

this has probably been done before, but since I keep searching for the SL-1*00 model variations (and forgetting them) I figured I'd make a summary of the seventies DD models starting with SL-110/1100 and ending with SL-1800MK2. This list is about functionality variations, I didn't include weight, year of manufacture etc. I think it's pretty accurate but I might be wrong... any suggestions are welcome. Here goes:

Technics Direct Drive Turntables SL 1100 – 1800 models

SL-110 : Manual / Servo control / without tonearm
SL-1100 : Manual / Servo control / Epa-110 tonearm
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SL-120 : Manual / Servo control / without tonearm
SL-1200 : Manual / Servo control / Epa-120 tonearm
SL-1200MK2 : Manual / Quartz locked / pitch fader / stylus illuminator / adjustable arm height
===================================================================
SL-1300 : Fully automatic / Servo control / memo-repeat
SL-1350 : Fully Automatic / like SL-1300 + record changer mechanism
SL-1301 : Fully Automatic / Quartz locked / no pitch control / memo-repeat
SL-1300MK2 : Fully automatic / Quartz locked / digital pitch / memo-repeat / auto-return on/off / adjustable arm height
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SL-1400 : Semi-automatic / Servo control
SL-1401 : Semi-automatic / Quartz locked / no pitch control
SL-1400MK2 : Semi-automatic / Quartz locked / digital pitch / auto-return on/off / adjustable arm height
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SL-150 : Manual / Servo control / without tonearm
SL-1500 : Manual / Servo control
SL-1501 : Manual / Quartz locked / no pitch control
SL-150MK2 : Manual / Quartz locked / digital pitch / without tonearm
SL-1500MK2 : Manual / Quartz locked / digital pitch / adjustable arm height
===================================================================
SL-1600 : Fully automatic / Servo control / spring suspension / memo-repeat
SL-1650 : Fully automatic / like SL-1600 + record changer mechanism
SL-1600MK2 : Fully automatic / Quartz locked / spring suspension / repeat play / motor-cue (knob + lever) / infrared auto disc size detection / stylus illuminator / adjustable arm height
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SL-1700 : Semi-automatic / Servo control / spring suspension
SL-1700MK2 : Semi-automatic / Quartz locked / spring suspension / motor-cue (no lever) / auto-return on/off / stylus illuminator / adjustable arm height
===================================================================
SL-1800 : Manual / Servo control / spring suspension
SL-1800MK2 : Manual / Quartz locked / spring suspension / stylus illuminator / adjustable arm height


All MK2 models have adjustable tonearm height, however the 1200, 1600, 1700 and 1800 MK2’s have the ‘universal’ type tonearm with a rotating ring at the base, while the 1300, 1400 and 1500 MK2’s have a knob that can be tightenend and loosened to allow up and down movement of the arm.

Fully automatic models have a device to select the disc size (either manually or, with the SL-1600MK2, automatically) and the tonearm will be raised and transported to the desired spot by a motor mechanism. They can also be operated manually. Semi-automatic models have an auto-return function (the tonearm will be returned to the armrest after completion or interruption of play).

Name variations: “10” instead of “00” indicates different color (black): i.e. SL-1300 = silver, SL-1310 = black; SL-1400 = silver, SL-1410 = black etc. SL-1360 = black SL-1350, I'm not sure if there is an SL-1660 though.

Cheers!
Japi

[analogaudio]

Speaking for the mk2s I think you nailed it!

I nominate this for sticky.

Ted

[Brisbane56]

Bravo.......... nice work

[Japi Roelofs]

Edit:

SL-1311 = black
SL-1350 = black
SL-1360 = silver
SL-1411 = black
SL-1650 = silver

[DiamondWindow]

SL-13*0MK2
SL-14*0MK2
SL-15*0MK2

all have spring suspension/sub-chassis

SL-150MK2

suspensionless w/ thick 4-bolt, wooden armboard

NOTE: All have balanced (underside drilled) platters

[Jim Howard]

You need to be careful on the 10 designation.

For instance you can purchase a UK model SL 1210 in silver or black. The 10 here designated multiple power supplies. Meaning you can select either European power or North American power with the flip of a switch.

In the USA the SL 1210 is generally always a black model vs the silver and the North American models never have the dual voltage capability.

Its better to be a Brit when it comes to an SL 1210.

In summary, the 10 designation means different things in different marketing zones.

I hope this helps you clarify the line up. Bravo!

[Japi Roelofs]

Thank you Jim and DiamondWindow for contributing, learning something new every day!

cheers,
Japi

[VinylIsTheBest]

I have a SL-1650 and it has a spring suspension/sub-chassis. This model was made in 1977-78. It's the best changer ever made IMO. Have all three spindles for it along with the original box & packaging.

It's a joy to stack those 7" 45rpm records and watch them drop, the only way to play them!

Here is my SL-1650 in the gallery.
http://www.vinylengine.com/turntable_forum/gallery/image_page.php?album_id=82&image_id=6196

http://www.vinylengine.com/turntable_forum/gallery/image_page.php?album_id=82&image_id=6195

http://www.vinylengine.com/turntable_forum/gallery/image_page.php?album_id=82&image_id=6194

[KentT]

Seconded about the SL-1650 being the best low maintenance, reliable record changer ever made. And a superb performer as is it's SL-1600 cousin which is not to be missed.

[markv1504]

This seems a good place to ask my question:

I'd like to get an SL-1200 MK2 or similar, but I'm too forgetful/careless for an all manual turntable, so are the 1300,1400,1600,1700 variations of equal build and sound quality to the 1200?

[KentT]

1300 and 1400 models I don't recommend. Especially Mk II models. Cueing and automation have been known issues. No parts to fix them. SL-1600 Mk II best automatic of the lot performance and reliability wise. Equal to the original SL-1200 in performance and build but not the Mk II upwards.

[jimmiwalks]

hi im not much of an expert and was after some advice on a manual SL-1200Mk2 compared to a SL-1210M3D.
im in the market to buy a pair of technic turntables, but want to know a bit more.

any help is appreciated.

cheers

jimmi

[markv1504]

Reader, I bought one. A SL-1700MK2 to be precise. Was rather disappointed at first that the auto functions didn't work, then realised it lacked a tone-arm pulley drive belt. This was easily sourced and fitted. Also, switches had seized due to long-time inactivity but these soon came back to life with some repeated presses. Delighted with my bargain purchase. Thanks to all who give such valuable info on this site.

[hedshelmkr]

Thatx for clearing up my issues with my 1810.. I realized it wasn't supposed to be on any kind of elevated feet (iso Nodes) When I took those out from underneath, it is all fine! Great as a matter of fact! Thinking of replacing the ProJect in the main system/rig with this one! I put it in that system briefly just to see... Need a 440AT MLA to go on the Afzelia Burl headshell!! Looks fantastic with that on it!!